ABSTRACT
The term “primary care” is gaining popularity in health care discussions, yet, what is meant by the term varies from setting to setting. This ambiguity can be the source of miscommunication and misunderstanding between clinician and patient. The lack of clarity is compounded by a changing health care situation. This chapter will provide a definition and discuss key elements, characteristics, and functions of primary health care. This chapter will also discuss attributes of primary care practices and the clinicians who provide such care. Controversial features, overlapping concepts, and future directions of primary care will also be explored.
